1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
Most of the action of Rez Sisters takes place on the Wasaychigan Hill Indian Reserve in Ontario, Canada. The time period off this play is probably sometime during the early-mid 1980's. We are introduced to seven women, all of whom share some connection whether it be by blood or otherwise. Although singularly different, each women seems to be united by the fact that each one has a goal for themselves that differs from the current situation.
2. What is the intrusion?
The intrusion of the play is when the women collectively decide to go to the bingo in Toronto. It's more than just talk now. They're deciding to physically leave the reservation.
3. What is the unique factor?
This is the day that the women learn of the biggest bingo in the world.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
Will any of the women win the prize money? What will they use it for if they do? What do the women really want?
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it.
One illustration is at the beginning of the play as the women begin to describe who they are and the surroundings which make up their lives. An example of the other form of narration is with the character of Zhaboonigan as she describes to Nanabush her sexual assault at the hands of two white men.
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
The most theatrical moment in the play is when the women are raising money for the trip to Toronto for the biggest bingo in the world. The strain on the women is apparent as each one of them has dreams and aspirations that are centered around winning this bingo. Another theatrical moment is when the women are finally playing bingo. They have worked so hard for this, and so this scene represents their hard work to finally achieving their dreams.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
Two of the major themes of this play are gender and sexuality. Each woman has been wronged in some way by the men in their lives. The play does a great job in showing how these events affect how these women think and view the world. The women also seem to be going through problems in terms of how they go about their sexuality, particularly Emily Dictionary. Other themes that are in the play include family and trying to move on.
8. What does the chief character want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of her getting what she wants?
Overall, the women want to go to the world's biggest bingo in Toronto. However, the women have obstacles in their way, particularly money. There are also obstacles during their trip, as they receive an unfortunate flat tire. The women also want to win the bingo. The obvious obstacle, however, is that only one woman can win.
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
One main image is that of Nanabush. Nanabush comes in different forms in this play, and each form influences the events that follow. As a spiritual figure, Nanabush seems to represent the bridge between the human world and the spiritual one. Another image in the play is the rape of Zhaboonigan by the screwdriver. The fact that she, a Native American woman, has been raped by two white men is a metaphor for the conquest of the Native Americans by European inquisition.
10. Briefly define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
Family is what drives the entire plot of this play. All our main characters are connected by some way, and that family aspect is apparent through their communication within each other. However, the play does a great job in expressing the different goals and aspirations that each woman has. Each is different from the other, and, although the women are a family, they must each solve their problems on their own.
Most of the action of Rez Sisters takes place on the Wasaychigan Hill Indian Reserve in Ontario, Canada. The time period off this play is probably sometime during the early-mid 1980's. We are introduced to seven women, all of whom share some connection whether it be by blood or otherwise. Although singularly different, each women seems to be united by the fact that each one has a goal for themselves that differs from the current situation.
2. What is the intrusion?
The intrusion of the play is when the women collectively decide to go to the bingo in Toronto. It's more than just talk now. They're deciding to physically leave the reservation.
3. What is the unique factor?
This is the day that the women learn of the biggest bingo in the world.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
Will any of the women win the prize money? What will they use it for if they do? What do the women really want?
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it.
One illustration is at the beginning of the play as the women begin to describe who they are and the surroundings which make up their lives. An example of the other form of narration is with the character of Zhaboonigan as she describes to Nanabush her sexual assault at the hands of two white men.
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
The most theatrical moment in the play is when the women are raising money for the trip to Toronto for the biggest bingo in the world. The strain on the women is apparent as each one of them has dreams and aspirations that are centered around winning this bingo. Another theatrical moment is when the women are finally playing bingo. They have worked so hard for this, and so this scene represents their hard work to finally achieving their dreams.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
Two of the major themes of this play are gender and sexuality. Each woman has been wronged in some way by the men in their lives. The play does a great job in showing how these events affect how these women think and view the world. The women also seem to be going through problems in terms of how they go about their sexuality, particularly Emily Dictionary. Other themes that are in the play include family and trying to move on.
8. What does the chief character want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of her getting what she wants?
Overall, the women want to go to the world's biggest bingo in Toronto. However, the women have obstacles in their way, particularly money. There are also obstacles during their trip, as they receive an unfortunate flat tire. The women also want to win the bingo. The obvious obstacle, however, is that only one woman can win.
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
One main image is that of Nanabush. Nanabush comes in different forms in this play, and each form influences the events that follow. As a spiritual figure, Nanabush seems to represent the bridge between the human world and the spiritual one. Another image in the play is the rape of Zhaboonigan by the screwdriver. The fact that she, a Native American woman, has been raped by two white men is a metaphor for the conquest of the Native Americans by European inquisition.
10. Briefly define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
Family is what drives the entire plot of this play. All our main characters are connected by some way, and that family aspect is apparent through their communication within each other. However, the play does a great job in expressing the different goals and aspirations that each woman has. Each is different from the other, and, although the women are a family, they must each solve their problems on their own.